Exclusive | Washington Sundar’s coach M Senthilnathan on 101* vs England – ‘Very emotional, it will be remembered for long time’ | Cricket News
Ahmedabad: All-rounder Washington Sundar scored his maiden century in international cricket during Team India’s fourth Test against England, helping the visitors remain alive in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Washington Sundar (101* off 206 balls) stitched an unbeaten 203-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (107* off 185 balls. The hosts were in the driver’s seat after reducing India to 0/2 in the first over of their second innings, and were all set to take a 3-1 lead in the series. However, an 188-run partnership between KL Rahul (90) and Shubman Gill (103), followed by Washington and Jadeja’s heroics helped the Indian team pull off nothing short of a miracle.“I feel highly emotional because this is Washington’s maiden international hundred and came at a time when it really mattered. This knock will be remembered for a long time because he held his own against the English bowlers, denying them a triumph in a dominant position. Washington came up the order following Rishabh Pant’s injury and showed initiative, helping India save the Test, which is equal to a win considering the tough circumstances. A maiden international century after showcasing such character and desire to fight is certainly sweeter than achieving the same in easier circumstances, and the team management will certainly hold him in higher regard,” said Washington Sundar’s childhood coach M. Senthilnathan in an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com.The all-rounder has scored 205 runs in three matches and has picked up seven wickets.“Washington Sundar missed out on a ton earlier in 2021 when he remained unbeaten on 96 in the fourth Test against England which was played in Ahmedabad. It took some time for him to get back and score a ton but I am happy that he has managed to reach the milestone. Washington Sundar is showing the world that he can be a very useful cricketer across departments, as evident from his run tally in the ongoing series,” he added.
The Tamil Nadu all-rounder had to return back early during the Indian team’s earlier tours of England, suffering unfortunate and unexpected injuries. These setbacks demotivated the all-rounder, testing his character.“He was really down mentally due to unfortunate injuries in his ankle and finger one or two days before a match. Washington asked me, ‘What should I do?’. I said, ‘Nothing. Just work hard’. Those were the only instances where he would feel low. Even during the current tour, the only advice I gave Washington was to stay fit due to the unfortunate injuries previously while playing football or bowling,” said the cricketer’s coach.
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Two of the biggest factors behind Washington Sundar’s success have been his patience and work ethic, especially considering the limited opportunities earlier due to the presence of Ravichandran Ashwin.“I told him to hang in there. Washington Sundar has never been lazy which is a big quality of his. He will be on the ground even after an early morning flight which showcases his commitment. Washington Sundar had to wait for a long time, nearly three to four years but he had the patience to keep performing and stay right behind Ashwin. You can never see his aggression outside, he is very subtle but inside he is a very strong person with very high self-confidence levels,” stated Senthilnathan.
